Keepingly?

?? Keepingly?'s Woman of the Day: Maria Torres-Springer – Champion of Equitable Urban Development ?? Today, we celebrate Maria Torres-Springer , a #visionary #leader dedicated to fostering inclusive #urban #policies and #social #justice. With a remarkable career spanning #public #service and #philanthropy, Maria has been instrumental in shaping #equitable #housing and #economic #development strategies. Born to Filipino immigrant parents, Maria's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. She became the first in her family to attend college in the United States, earning a Bachelor’s degree in #Ethics, #Politics, and #Economics from Yale University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Career Milestones: ?? New York City Leadership: Maria has held several pivotal roles in New York City’s administration, including: - Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services: Focused on supporting women- and immigrant-owned businesses, launching initiatives like Women Entrepreneurs NYC (WE NYC) and the Tech Talent Pipeline to prepare underserved communities for modern job markets. - President and CEO of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC): As the first woman to lead NYCEDC, she pioneered major projects such as the Citywide Ferry Service and revitalization efforts in neighborhoods like Inwood and Far Rockaway, emphasizing community-first planning. - Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD): Oversaw the implementation of Housing New York, an ambitious plan to create or preserve 300,000 affordable homes over 12 years, prioritizing vulnerable populations. ?? Ford Foundation: In 2019, Maria served as the Vice President for U.S. Programs at the Ford Foundation, directing national #grantmaking efforts to reduce #poverty, #empower communities, and advance #systemic justice. ??Deputy Mayor of New York City: In December 2021, Maria was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development, becoming one of the first Asian Americans to serve in this role. She was later promoted to First Deputy Mayor in October 2024, overseeing critical initiatives to strengthen and diversify the city’s economy. Recent Developments: In February 2025, Maria announced her resignation from the role of First Deputy Mayor, effective March 14. Shortly thereafter, she returned to the Ford Foundation as a Senior Fellow, where she continues her work in advancing social justice and equity. ?? Maria Torres-Springer, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to equitable urban development and social justice. Your leadership and dedication continue to inspire and drive meaningful change in our communities. #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #MariaTorresSpringer #UrbanDevelopment #SocialJustice #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Lisa Rice Sheryll Cashin Marietta Rodriguez Gillian Marcelle, PhD Marcia Griffin Pamela Perry Laura Grannemann Laura Escobar

?? Hattie McDaniel: The Woman Who Redefined Homeownership Before the 1940s, Beverly Hills had racial covenants that prevented Black families from #buying #homes. But Hattie McDaniel, a Hollywood legend and trailblazer, refused to let #discrimination keep her from securing the #home of her dreams. As the first Black woman to own a #home in Beverly Hills, she faced backlash from neighbors and legal battles attempting to remove her. But she stood her ground and proved that #homeownership is not just about #property—it’s about #breaking #barriers, #securing generational #wealth, and taking up space in places that tried to shut you out. It's Sunday. We are setting your week off with something positive. ?? Affirmation of the Week: "I am worthy of homeownership, financial freedom, and a place to call my own. My home represents my resilience, ambition, and legacy." ?? What can be done to change the way homeownership is defined? What more can be done to support accessible, stable, and affordable homeownership opportunities? Let’s discuss in the comments! "The way to stop discrimination is to speak up. Don’t be afraid to make some noise." – Hattie McDaniel ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #AffirmationSunday #BreakingBarriers #Homeownership #Keepingly Falia Justima Ciante Bell Onay Payne Joe Ventrone Jenna Louie Krissy Bilbrey Claudia M Garrell-Cadena, P.A Abigail Smith Sharey Morris Jonathan Lawless Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Anje Jackson, PHR Richard Venegar Nelson Zambrano Michael Amir

? Keepingly?’s Woman of the Day: Kimberlee Cornett – Pioneering Impact Investments for Community Health ??? Today, we honor Kimberlee Cornett, a trailblazer in #impact #investing and #community development. As the Senior Director of Impact Investments at RWJF at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), she leads a $650 million fund dedicated to advancing #health #equity, #housing #affordability, and #economic #opportunity. Before joining RWJF, Kimberlee led the Social Investment Practice at The Kresge Foundation, managing a $350 million #impact investment fund that successfully leveraged $1 billion for community development projects. Her leadership has played a critical role in strengthening #financial #resources for #underserved #communities. Recently, RWJF allocated $200 million toward impact investments, supporting #community development #finance systems and #expanding opportunities for #low- and #moderate-income #communities. Kimberlee has also championed investments in Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), ensuring that #resources reach those who need them most. Beyond her work at RWJF, she serves on the boards of The Conservation Fund, Habitat for Humanity International, and the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, reinforcing her deep commitment to #equitable #development and #financial #empowerment. ?? Kimberlee Cornett, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to #transforming #communities through strategic investments. Your leadership and vision have profoundly impacted the #housing industry, and we celebrate your invaluable contributions today and always! ???????? #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #KimberleeCornett #ImpactInvesting #CommunityDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Gillian Marcelle, PhD Marietta Rodriguez Joe Ventrone Pamela Perry Lisa Demont Daniel Smith, MBA Carly Hurdle-Fowler, MBA Marcia Griffin Skylar Olsen Richard Venegar Nicole Paulino Ruth Gao Daniel Gura Zoila Jennings Claire Morduch

?? Patricia Roberts Harris: Pioneering Leadership in Housing Policy Did You Know? The first Black woman to lead HUD, Patricia Roberts Harris, was a driving force behind anti-discrimination policies, urban development, and affordable housing initiatives. Appointed in 1977, she took bold steps to: ?? Expand affordable housing access for low-income families. ?? Strengthen tenant protections against discrimination. ?? Drive urban renewal projects to revitalize underserved communities. Her leadership shaped modern housing policies, but many of the same challenges she fought against—housing discrimination, affordability issues, and access disparities—still persist today. ?? What Say You? If you could ask Patricia Roberts Harris one question about housing policies, what would it be? Let’s discuss in the comments! "The time will come when our nation will judge people by their capacity to serve and not by their race or sex." – Patricia Roberts Harris ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #WomenInGovernment #HUD #Keepingly Onay Payne Falia Justima Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Joe Ventrone Gillian Marcelle, PhD Krissy Bilbrey Claudia M Garrell-Cadena, P.A Jonathan Lawless Maria R. P. Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer

? Keepingly?’s Woman of the Day: Marcia Griffin – Champion for Homeownership Equity ? Today, we celebrate Marcia Griffin, the powerhouse Founder and CEO of HomeFree-USA! ???? Since 1994, she has dedicated her career to closing the #racial #wealth gap through #financial #education and #homeownership empowerment. As one of only 19 HUD intermediaries, HomeFree-USA has helped countless families build wealth through #homeownership. Marcia’s impact extends beyond her organization—she serves on key industry advisory councils, including Freddie Mac, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, and the Mortgage Bankers Association, shaping policies that promote #fair and #equitable #housing. ???? Her incredible work was recently honored with President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her dedication to #financial #empowerment and #homeownership #education. ???? ?? Marcia Griffin, thank you for your unwavering commitment to transforming lives through #homeownership. Your leadership continues to inspire and uplift communities nationwide! #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #MarciaGriffin #HomeFreeUSA #FinancialEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Gillian Marcelle, PhD Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Marietta Rodriguez Bruce Marks Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Jason Paulino Nicole Paulino Milan Griffin Christopher J. Tyson Marisa Calderon Simone Griffin Gwendolyn Garnett Barbara Corcoran Lisa Rice Pamela Perry Darlene Goins

?? The Violence Against Women Act: Housing Protections for Survivors Did You Know? Housing insecurity is one of the biggest challenges survivors of domestic violence face when trying to leave an abusive situation. That’s why the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) includes housing protections to ensure survivors are not penalized for the abuse they have experienced. Under VAWA housing protections, survivors: ?? Cannot be evicted from federally assisted housing due to domestic violence. ?? Can request emergency transfers to relocate to safer housing. ?? Cannot be denied housing based on their history as a survivor. But while VAWA is a crucial step, there are still gaps in enforcement, awareness, and access to resources. Many survivors face homelessness or housing discrimination despite these legal protections. ??: Are current housing protections under VAWA enough, or is more action needed to support survivors? How can we make VAWA better for domestic violence survivors? Let’s discuss in the comments. "There is no excuse for abuse, and no survivor should have to choose between safety and a place to call home." – Sen. Patty Murray ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #VAWA #SafeHousing #Keepingly Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Sheryll Cashin Joe Ventrone Lisa Rice Pamela Perry Onay Payne Ciante Bell Vance K. Jackson Jr. Laura Grannemann Nicole Paulino Marietta Rodriguez Daniel Smith, MBA Jason Paulino Skylar Olsen

? Keepingly?’s Woman of the Day: Skylar Olsen – Leading the Future of Housing Economics ? Today, we celebrate Skylar Olsen, the Chief Economist at Zillow Group, whose expertise and dedication have significantly influenced #real #estate, #homeownership, and housing policy. With over a decade of experience as a #housing #economist, Skylar has been instrumental in providing valuable insights into the U.S. #housing #market. Skylar earned her Ph.D. in #Economics from the University of Washington, where she currently teaches a course on Real Estate Evolution and Disruption. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her career, enabling her to analyze complex #housing #market dynamics effectively. At Zillow, Skylar leads a team of #economists and #analysts who deliver unbiased data and analyses about the #housing #market, informing #policymakers, journalists, academics, and #consumers. Her work ensures that stakeholders have the necessary information to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing market. Beyond her role at Zillow, Skylar has testified before Congress on #fair #housing issues, underscoring her commitment to #equitable #housing #policies. She regularly shares her #housing-market expertise across various platforms, contributing to a broader understanding of #housing #economics. Recently, Skylar has provided insights into emerging #housing trends, highlighting Buffalo, New York, as the hottest #housing #market for 2025 due to high demand and limited supply. She emphasized the importance of new construction to meet this growing demand, as existing #homeowners remain hesitant to sell. Additionally, she has #advocated for #integrating #climate risk data into $ #homebuying decisions, reflecting her commitment to incorporating #environmental considerations into #housing market analyses. Skylar’s dedication to analyzing and interpreting #housing data has empowered countless individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the #real #estate market. Her work not only enhances our understanding of #housing #trends but also informs #policies that promote #fair and #accessible #homeownership. ?? Skylar Olsen, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to excellence in real estate economics. Your insights and leadership have profoundly impacted the housing industry, and we celebrate your contributions today and always! #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #SkylarOlsen #Zillow #HousingEconomics #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Lisa Rice Joe Ventrone Nicole Paulino Sheryll Cashin Tricia Lee Super ?? at SERHANT. Ryan Serhant Marietta Rodriguez Richard Venegar Vance K. Jackson Jr. Daniel Smith, MBA Marcia Griffin Sherry Chris

?? Elizabeth Warren: Fighting for Fair Housing and Homeownership Protections Did You Know? The #housing market hasn’t always played fair—especially for #women and #marginalized communities. That’s why Elizabeth Warren has been a powerful force in #housing #policy #reforms, advocating for #fair lending practices and stronger #financial protections for #homeowners. Her leadership led to the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which helps protect #homebuyers from #predatory #lending, #unfair #mortgages, and #financial fraud. She continues to push for policies that promote #affordable #housing, fair lending, and protections against foreclosure. ??: Do you think current housing policies do enough to protect homeowners from financial instability? ? Yes, homeowners have strong protections ? No, more policies are needed ?? Not sure, I need to learn more ?? Vote and share your perspective in the comments! Sign-Off: "A home is more than just a place to live – it's a foundation for financial security and stability." – Elizabeth Warren ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #PollTimeThursday #HousingPolicy #ConsumerProtection #Keepingly Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Falia Justima LaQuana M.Joe Ventrone Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Lisa Rice Donna Isidora Alanna McCargo Richard Venegar Jenna Louie Maria R. P. Krissy Bilbrey Vance K. Jackson Jr.

? Keepingly’s Woman of the Day: Nicole Paulino – Visionary Leader in Luxury Real Estate ? Today, we celebrate Nicole Paulino, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fifth and Forever Realty, a distinguished Manhattan-based firm #specializing in #luxury #residential sales and leasing. With over 17 years of experience as a licensed #real #estate #professional, Nicole has established herself as a leader in New York City's competitive #real #estate market. Her extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in guiding numerous clients through the complexities of #property transactions, ensuring they find #homes that align with their aspirations and lifestyles. Known for her #integrity, #relationship-building, and deep market #expertise, Nicole has become one of the most sought-after brokers in New York City. She possesses a proven track record, successfully brokering deals across New York while also managing #properties throughout the city and in New Jersey. Her #dedication and attention to detail have fostered long-term client relationships, as #buyers and #sellers repeatedly return to her for #guidance and #expertise. Under Nicole's leadership, Fifth and Forever has flourished into a #family-owned business renowned for its personalized approach and dedication to client satisfaction. The firm's ethos centers on understanding that customers define the standard of #quality and #service, a philosophy that has fostered enduring relationships and a strong reputation within the #community. Nicole's commitment extends beyond individual transactions; she actively contributes to discussions on #real #estate policies and practices that promote equitable access to #homeownership. Her efforts have not only #elevated industry standards but have also #empowered clients to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their #financial well-being and #stability. ?? Nicole Paulino, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your #visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to #excellence, and #dedication to promoting #equitable #access to luxury real estate. Your resilience and passion have transformed countless lives, and we celebrate you today and always! #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #NicolePaulino #LuxuryRealEstate #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Jason Paulino DeJanai Brown Hakim Wray Melissa Alamo Daniel Smith, MBA Joe Ventrone Carly Hurdle-Fowler, MBA Lisa Rice Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Donna Isidora JoAnne Poole Jenna Louie

?? Frances Perkins: A Legacy of Housing and Labor Reform Did You Know? Frances Perkins was not only the first woman appointed as U.S. Secretary of Labor but also a pioneering advocate for better housing conditions and worker’s rights. As a key figure in the New Deal era, she fought to improve the lives of laborers across the country, focusing on fair wages, workplace safety, and affordable housing. Her work laid the foundation for modern housing policies, ensuring that workers had access to safe and affordable homes—a cause she believed was integral to building a healthy, productive workforce. Perkins knew that housing and labor rights went hand-in-hand for a better society. ??: How do you see Frances Perkins’ advocacy for workers' rights and housing still affecting policies today? “The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.” – Frances Perkins Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #LaborRights #HousingAdvocate #HousingReform #Keepingly Joe Ventrone Falia Justima Onay Payne Krissy Bilbrey Jonathan Lawless LaQuana M. Claudia M Garrell-Cadena, P.A Maria R. P. Richard Venegar Nelson Zambrano